Impacts of the indoor environment in our homes and schools on child health

Panel: 4. Monitoring and evaluation for a wise, just and inclusive transition

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Daniel Gerth, Velux A/S, Denmark
Jens Christoffersen, Velux A/S, Denmark
Marco Hafner, RAND Europe (UK) CIC, United Kingdom
Sune Tobias Grollov, VELUX A/S, Denmark
Elisabeth Katharina Hoffmann, VELUX A/S, Belgium

Abstract

Today, more than 26 million European children are living in unhealthy homes putting them at higher risk of experiencing health problems. Our study is based on the Eurostat microdata from the EU-wide survey “Income and Living Conditions in Europe” (EU-SILC). The overall objective looked at the impact of the indoor climate on human, and in particular on child health, and to estimate the overall societal costs related to this. The study had the following underlying research questions:

– What is the evidence in terms of existing studies and literature concerning the impact of poor indoor climate on human and in particular on children’s health? How prevalent are problems related to non-optimal indoor climate in European homes?

– Which correlations can be observed between the prevalence of non-optimal indoor climate and the health status of affected children?

– What are the health and educational burden of poor indoor climate?

– What would be the economic benefits associated with reduction in children’s exposure to poor indoor climate?

The results show that mould and dampness, as well as poor ventilation, can take a child from good to poor health with links to higher levels of asthma, allergies, eczema, and lower and upper respiratory conditions. About 1.2 million European children, aged 0 to 15 years, are burdened with ailments, by self-reporting poor health, that challenge their ability to be present and/or fully engaged at school, resulting in an estimated 1.7 million missed school days. Across Europe, the prevalence of children affected by asthma has become an increasing problem in the last few decades. Unhealthy home environments can result in higher absence from school and work, putting a greater strain on both children, parents and the economy.

Tackling unhealthy homes, schools and day-care centres is an opportunity to improve the health and quality of life of European children. Furthermore, it is also an opportunity to improve societies, deliver on our energy and climate commitments and address inequalities, while saving money and valuable resources at the same time. It also points towards a key area for action: Europe’s old building stock. Three-quarters of Europe’s buildings are energy inefficient and responsible for about 40% of Europe’s energy consumption and CO2 emissions (EU Commission 2019). European-wide energy renovations are a win-win for achieving climate neutrality while at the same time creating healthier and more sustainable buildings and boosting our economy post-COVID in the recovery plans.

The recent Renovation Wave, the upcoming Fit for 55 Package and the rollout of (green) national recovery plans, represents a real opportunity to fundamentally transform the European building stock and help the EU achieve its climate and sustainability goals. National Long-term Renovation Strategies (LTRS) have to take a holistic approach towards buildings. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) tasks the Member States with establishing such strategies to boost building renovations by setting clear targets and recommendations on energy efficiency as well as indoor air quality, comfort and health – a process which has been significantly delayed by Member States and overall shown a lack of ambition. If properly implemented, the LTRS could offer a great, cost-efficient opportunity to achieve major improvements in health, comfort and energy efficiency.

This link between the energy efficiency agenda and a healthy indoor climate is clearly recognized in the recent European Parliament Report on Maximizing the energy efficiency potential of the EU building stock (2020/2070 (INI)) and is acknowledged several times in both the European Green Deal and the Renovation Wave Strategy, however, it is not yet reflected sufficiently in European legislation. The upcoming EPBD revision as part of the Fit for 55 Package and the implementation of the Renovation Wave Strategy is a unique opportunity to tackle these shortcomings.

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